Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Josh Rosen spent part of his day off on Tuesday giving a local Arizona prep athlete the surprise and honor of the year. He presented Notre Dame Prep running back and wide receiver Jake Smith with the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year Award.

It was unexpected for Smith, whom Rosen called “a hell of a player.”

Rosen showed up while Smith was in P.E. and made the announcement, shocking the young man who dominated high school football, leading his team to the 5A state championship game.

An Under Armour All-American Bowl selection, Smith caught 64 passes for 1,112 yards and 22 touchdowns this past season, and also rushed for 741 yards and 15 TDs, returning two kickoffs for scores as well.

Rosen was honored to be able to present what he called in an interview with Cards Wire “the pinnacle” of high school football awards. Rosen himself is familiar with such honors, as was the Gatorade Freshman Player of the Year way back in 2011. He did not win the award as a senior and pointed that out to me, saying he is “not bitter about it at all.”

Smith is in great company as NFL greats like Emmitt Smith, Peyton Manning and “30-plus Pro Bowlers” have won the award.

Rosen, who was a top-rated high school player, told me he didn’t have any specific advice for Smith, saying “he already has a lot of voices in his ears.” Rosen said he told him to “just be himself” since that has gotten him up to this point so far.

Smith excelled on the field, in the classroom and also in the community.

He has a 3.33 grade-point average and has volunteered locally on behalf of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Food Bank Community Kitchen, Feed My Starving Children and the Miracle League of Arizona.

He has verbally committed to play for the University of Texas next year.

Rosen was honored to be able to present the award, knowing he is a “new resident of Arizona.” He wants to support the community here.

Let’s all keep an eye on Smith. They drafted a local prep stud this year in Christian Kirk. Maybe in a few more years, Smith and Rosen can be teammates.